“In line with best practice, the police response to the protests should be independently reviewed by a peer organization,” the Governor said today, adding that he is “making arrangements to have a senior UK police officer conduct such a review.”

“First, a police investigation into allegations of criminal conduct by those protesting, with files being prepared for possible charges.

“Secondly, an investigation into complaints brought against police officers which have been referred to the Police Complaints Authority.

“I have also agreed with the Commissioner of Police and following consultation with the Premier that, in line with best practice, the police response to the protests should be independently reviewed by a peer organization.

“I am making arrangements to have a senior UK police officer conduct such a review and make recommendations wherever improvements could be made, including as appropriate on any future resource or training needs.”

Yeah I and I, good point. A dentist should come and investigate this because no law enforcement agency has ever investigated a police officer and come to any conclusion other than in the police officers favor….

I would encourage you to research a subject before making statements you know nothing about. Remember ignorance is not an excuse I and I and Slacktivisim. Police Forces around the modern western world have internal investigation departments which funnily enough are run by other police officers. Please provide the evidence that shows that “no law enforcement agency has ever investigated a police officer and come to any conclusion other than in the police officers favor”. A quick search of the web will show that this is not true.

Lets just drop the “files” being prepared and not be so militant in our reaction if it happens again and move forwards. This is just going to drag it out and likely inflame things. Also how about someone from the independent body that investigates police/police officer situations if this must be done?

“I am making arrangements to have a senior UK police officer conduct such a review and make recommendations wherever improvements could be made, including as appropriate on any future resource or training needs.”

The unlawful protestors that decided to blatantly ignore police officers who outlined they were not in compliance with the law. They ordered the actions of police.

This is a non issue that has been milked. It’s only an issue because it’s something to moan about. How many members of the parliament blockade had bloody noses and broken bones? Pepper spray is a temporary solution that enforces control, which was needed given the circumstances all day.

Everyone needs to grow up and stop trying to make every relate to 1977 to fit a narrative of a select few.

The order was given in phone calls and emails in the days leading up to the blocking of parliament. That was the order that set everything in motion. Completely unlawful and the intent must be to turn Bermuda into a banana republic where parliament is denied access to the house. That is the order people should be concerned about.

It is important to give an apperance of being independent, where-ever the person comes from, Scotland, New Zealand, Russia .. the person who is briefing them on various matters, this same body is to whom they most likely will give their loyalty.

After watching the video of the events it was clear that Police were not in control of the situation and the mob forced the Police to retreat. I guess in Bermuda our Police have gotten comfortable in not preparing for the eventuality of a unruly mob of organized individual impressing their will to be generally disruptive. I hope events suggest that they actually need training on soft and hard tactics with crowd/protest control, making arrest when the protestors turn into a mob environment and how to protect themselves and colleagues in these events.

The review should be very detailed. It may just turn out to be very bad news for the people who set the whole thing up. It should focus on the actions of the PLP’s leader to call out people and should take into account previous calls for Civil Disobedience. Derrick Burgess’ rantings should also be fully disclosed to the investigators.

The video is clear as a bell. The protestors broke the law and blocked the entrance to the HOA….ILLEGALLY. When the police tried to move them out of the way the person with the umbrella lashed out at the cops and they reacted. Don’t want that to happen again? Don’t strike out at police officers after telling them to “get out of here” and chanting “we will not be moved.” This was all about the airport project, why such a violent reaction? Because they were incited by the political party who don’t want anyone else but themselves to build the new airport. Given what the COI is about to expose one can guess why they wanted to be in control of such a big project and would go to any lengths to stop it. Thus this revolting display.